Near Pair of 18th C. French Hand Carved Giltwood Mirrors

This phenomenal pair of early 18th giltwood French mirrors feature a beveled round looking glass surrounded by a cherubic bas-relief hand carved frame. The frame is crested with heralding cherubs and festooned on the base with swags of floral garlands and ribbons. The worn gilded patina is in excellent condition with some surface crazing; perfect for the collector who seeks fine French period furniture.

The mirrors are attributed to the Paris workshop of Jacob-Desmalter et Cie who mainly produced furniture in the Empire style and enjoyed commissions from Napoleon and his court for whom he supplied numerous pieces. Many of Desmalter's styles drew inspiration from the seats and thrones of Antiquity discovered during Napoleon's excavations in Egypt as well as the bas-relief forms found on classical Greek vases. At the turn of the 18th to 19th century, the firm was one of the largest furniture producing workshops in Napoleonic Paris.

The mirrors are a near pair with minor differences and have a minimal amount of restoration to the frame. One of the glasses is original, the other most likely an older replacement.